No, I didn’t write it up. However, I mostly followed
this video, which was my inspiration. When I bought the 4Runner, it had a roof basket on it, which I wasn't real fond of. Kind of wondered if I should keep it or replace it with building my own, like the video. Then I installed OME springs and Bilstein shocks in the rear, which made the roof basket too tall to get out of the garage. Basket was removed and I started taking notes from the video.
Bought my aluminum 6061 flat bar at 1/4” x 2” x 84” for $50 shipped from Midwest Steel and Aluminum. The aluminum was inexpensive, but unfortunately, the shipping was the same cost as the aluminum. So some money could have been saved there by sourcing locally if you have that ability.
Already had the same style aluminum L brackets at home (4), so those were free, but you could get them at the same place as the video mentions - T-Nutz.
I left the roof rails on the sides and then re-used the OEM tie down hoop metal squares that slide around and are used to screw into.
Bought 8 crossbars at $176, pre-tapped. I bought these from the same place the video mentions -
T-Nutz, using 1020.
Bought my buttonhead socket cap screws from FMW Fasteners in 3 lengths to be sure I had the correct lengths in varying applications.
Also bought
adjustable swivel leveler feet for the front that is just past the sunroof. These were expensive, but I wanted an exact fit and not the feet that half stick out because they don't swivel. Could save some money there too.
My rack crossbars were built very specifically so that I could accommodate 4 sets of Yakima box corner holders, a shovel and a pair of traction boards. Then with the left over room in the rear, I added two aluminum square flat pieces so I can use Rotopax water containers and a propane tank. Bought the aluminum flat pieces also from Midwest Steel and Aluminum. You can see this in the picture attached.
I will be buying a Frontrunner front wind fairing for it, so that is the only thing left to do. I am pretty happy with how it turned out and really enjoyed building it.
and am looking for something that will allow me to carry additional things on my roof, currently I use the roof rack to put a couple of mountain bikes upside down but I'm worried I'm scratching my roof by doing so, does anyone use a roof rack for mountain bikes that would also carry other items? Along with the mountain bikes we also carry fishing rods.
